6 Top safety tips on hiring an event tent

14/10/14, Losberger UK

Follow our 6 top safety tips on hiring an event tent

1) Check your supplier meets current industry guidelines

Obvious right? Not all organisers will know the current legislation, its important to familiarise yourself so you can ask the right questions. Current industry guidelines include the Temporary Demount-able Structures Guidance on Design, Procurement and Use (March 1999) For more information visit, http://www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/temporary-demountable-structures.htm

More importantly BSEN13782 the European standard which specifies safety requirements needing to be observed when taking into consideration the design, calculations, manufacture, installation, maintenance, operation, examination and testing of mobile, temporary installed tents of more than 50m² ground area. We want customers to know our prices will reflect not only the cost of hiring or buying first class equipment but also first class safety. Every structure we build is handed over with an independent structural engineers report conforming to BSEN13782.

2) Make sure the quote includes everything.

No one likes nasty surprises! When getting an initial quote make sure all aspects of the build and de-rig have been taking into consideration. You will find a lot of suppliers will just give you a standard quote based on ‘perfect’ site conditions i.e. a flat grass site, with great access. These quotes are not based on a site specifics and will not take into consideration any special anchoring requirements, extra packing, scaffolding, plant equipment or extra man hours. These standard quotes often leave out essentials like ramps, doors, and perimeter skirts and leveling all items that are required to make the structure safe, secure and presentable. Losberger consider all aspects of a job when sending out an initial quote, if we cannot complete a site survey before sending a quote we will advise of the extra things you need to consider, offering estimates where possible. We don’t believe in hidden costs, all extras will be agreed prior to completing the work.

3) It’s cheaper for a reason

Is the equipment your being offered right for the event? Low specification equipment, with smaller profile frames may well suffice for a intimate back garden or private functions but for larger events only professional equipment ensures the quality and safety of your event. All Losberger temporary structures are manufactured in house using the latest CNC laser technology each designed by our own team of highly qualified structural engineers. Every temporary structure range has its own set of static calculations and are manufactured to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

4) How well cared for is the equipment.

In order for temporary event structures to maintain their structural integrity and appearance the equipment needs to be cleaned, maintained & renewed regularly; shiny photos on websites and in brochures can be deceiving, they will not guarantee when your equipment arrives it’s been stored, maintained and cleaned correctly. Losberger equipment is meticulously cleaned, inspected and renewed regularly, its stored in the correct environments and packaged appropriately for transportation to and from site.

5) On site professionalism

If the crew assembling your structure look and act professional you can probably assume the equipment they are installing is built correctly too.

Check the crew are wearing the appropriate PPE, do they have a site manager in charge?

Do they hold the correct licences to operate plant and machinery?

Has the site been secured and cordoned off suitably to protect staff and the public?

Have you been given a full site specific risk assessment and method statement?

Losberger in line with current temporary structure regulations we will complete a full site survey before work commences on any site, the client will then be issued with a site specific Risk Assessment and full Method Statement, along with a copy of our Health and Safety Policy. All our temporary structures are built in accordance with the engineers assembly guidelines, all crew members are formally trained in house on the correct installation and dismantling of each unit that’s why we are trusted to work in some of London’s busiest and most treasured Grade 1 listed sites including Somerset House.

6) on an official handover

Check and double check your structure; where possible seek advice from a H&S professional. Check the structure for defects and distortions, has it been built correctly? Most importantly does it have the correct bracing and anchoring? Ask the site manager to show you where the appropriate exits are; ensure these are the correct type and number of exits and that they include ramps, handrails or steps where necessary, do these exits follow DDA regulations? Discuss an evacuation plan and what the correct procedures are during extreme weather conditions. Insist on an official handover document where both parties can sign over the structure/structures ready for use. Finally ensure you are given the relevant fire certificates, wind loading certificates, insurances and a site specific independent engineer’s report for BSEN 13782.